Acadian Seaplants has confirmed gut-health benefits of its cultivated red seaweed (Palmaria palmata), or dulse, positioning it as a powerful prebiotic ingredient for food and nutraceutical applications.
Acadian Seaplants cultivated dulse delivers 27% total dietary fiber (dry weight), with xylan—a complex marine polysaccharide—comprising over 15%. This structure enables the fiber to resist upper gastrointestinal digestion and act as a substrate for probiotic bacteria in the lower gut, enhancing microbiome diversity and activity.
Recent study has shown that xylan-rich dulse increases the population of beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus and Proteobacteria, stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that support anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. Early results indicate that these effects may contribute to a stronger gut-brain axis connection.
“Xylan from cultivated dulse functions as a potent prebiotic. It supports beneficial bacteria that are essential for maintaining gut integrity and overall health,” said Dr. Jeff Hafting, Senior Cultivation Research Scientist at Acadian. “This opens new opportunities for clean-label formulations focused on digestive and cognitive well-being.”
With global demand for gut-health products accelerating, cultivated dulse stands out as a traceable, sustainable, and highly functional marine fiber. Grown in the world’s largest land-based seaweed cultivation system, it offers manufacturers consistent supply and environmental assurance.
“We’re seeing significant B2B interest in prebiotic innovation that delivers both efficacy and sustainability,” said Lida Lindquist, Market Development Manager. “Cultivated dulse meets that demand with science-backed benefits and unmatched traceability.”
Interested in learning how cultivated dulse can support your prebiotic formulation goals? Connect with our team to discuss your specific application needs and explore tailored solutions for your product line.